Tumor vasculature and tumor cells

The term "Tumor vasculature and tumor cells" refers to a dual-compartment therapeutic strategy in oncology rather than a single molecular target or receptor. This approach aims to simultaneously destroy the existing endothelial network that provides oxygen and nutrients to a solid tumor while directly eliminating the malignant cells themselves (Thorpe, 2004, Clinical Cancer Research). By attacking the tumor vasculature, vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) can cause rapid and extensive necrosis of the tumor core, which is often resistant to conventional chemotherapy due to hypoxia and high interstitial pressure (Siemann, 2011, Cancer Treatment Reviews). Concurrently, targeting the tumor cells addresses the viable peripheral rim and metastatic deposits that might survive the initial vascular collapse. This dual action is frequently achieved through agents that bind to proteins overexpressed in both compartments, such as Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), which is found on prostate cancer cells and the neovasculature of many other solid tumors (Chang et al., 1999, Cancer Research). While promising, this strategy requires careful management of systemic side effects like hypertension and thromboembolism resulting from the disruption of vascular homeostasis (Tozer et al., 2005, Nature Reviews Cancer).

Other names

Dual-compartment targetingTumor microenvironment targetingTumor-vascular dual targetingTumor-associated neovasculature and malignant cells

Dual mechanism involving the acute disruption of established tumor blood vessels to induce secondary hemorrhagic necrosis, combined with direct cytotoxic or pro-apoptotic effects on the malignant cell population.